The Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba are used inter-changeably to
describe the valley that runs from east of Pisac to Ollantaytambo at the
western end of the Valley. It is a narrow, winding valley with spectacular
snow capped peaks constantly in view.

In the words of The Rough Guide to Peru: ”It’s a steep-sided river
valley that opens out into a still narrow but fertile alluvial plain which
was exploited agriculturally by the Incas. Even within 30km or so of the
valley, there are several microclimates allowing specializations in
different fruits, maize’s and other important local plants. Standing guard
over the two extremes of the Sacred Valley, are the ancient Inca citadels of
Pisac and Ollantaytambo.”

At the eastern end of the valley is
Pisac. Best know for its Sunday
market, there are now smaller markets on Tuesday and Thursdays. There is
also an impressive set of ruins perched on the mountainside overlooking the
valley.

Mid-valley are the village of Yucay and the small town of Urubamba, where
most of the lodging of the valley is located.

Ollantaytambo, at the end of the
valley, is built on the foundations of an old Inca town and has another
impressive set of ruins. It also has the train station serving the valley.